Serving Trinity
Barbara Clark is happy to serve as pastor and partner in ministry to Trinity. A native of Chattanooga who grew up an active member of Brainerd UMC, with parents and four siblings very involved in all facets of congregational ministries. Before going to seminary, Barbara served as a lay member of local, District, Conference, Jurisdictional and General agencies of the United Methodist church. A lifelong active Methodist who earned her Master of Divinity from Emory University. She was ordained in 1996 and has served several congregations in the Holston Conference before coming to Trinity in 2022. During a sabbatical in 2012-2014, she also served as Chaplain at Emory University Hospital and director of a food pantry ministry for the homeless in midtown Atlanta.
Barbara has one son who is an assistant professor at UT-Chattanooga.
Her passions include reading, hiking, music (she is a classically trained violinist), volunteering, time with family and supporting Justice and benevolence agencies.
She is a “foodie” who also enjoys a good British comedy or reading a good mystery novel.
Her hope is that we cultivate a true sense of Christian community where all persons are welcomed and affirmed. Barbara invites all to worship and serve the Lord with us as we seek to be signs of Christ’s love, justice, hope and light in this world.
Donald is Trinity’s Youth Director working with Trinity’s middle and high school youth, members and non-members in Trinity’s Youth Group Ministry. Donald is a Roane County native and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Tennessee. He also has an Education Specialist Degree in Administration from Lincoln Memorial University. A classroom teacher for 15 years, a high school basketball and baseball coach for 15 years during his public education career. He has been an administrator for the past five years.
Donald is married and has one son who is an architect in Atlanta, Ga. He loves to spend quality time with his family, traveling, being outdoors boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, working around the house, and having a good book in his hands.
Donald has been a member of the UMC for over 25 years, and has always been involved with youth and children ministries. He has served on SPR, Trustees, Finance, Administrative Council, Lay Leader, VBS coordinator, Sunday School teacher for children, youth, and adult classes, and many other ministries, as well as being a certified Lay Speaker.
Donald hopes every child and youth feels the love of Christ and their special place in His world.
Sheryl is a very talented musician, vocalist and the director of Trinity music ministry. For over 20 years, she has brought her various skills to children, youth, and adults through Trinity’s music ministries. Sheryl directs our adult choir, our praise team and praise band, children’s “Music in Motion” and other programs with music or drama that lift up Christ through song and word. Sheryl brings a blended selection of music to Trinity’s worship services so there is always something to stir your soul.
Sheryl is also very active in local theater, including the Word Players. She has used her many talents to direct actors or direct or play the music in many high school, private school and local productions.
She’s married and a loving mom to two adorable beagles, “ Zeu Zeu” and “Gatsby”. Her human son has blessed her with 3 grandchildren and she is grateful for FaceTime. because they live in another state.
Sheryl wants Trinity’s music and worship service to raise Christ high so that all may see the beauty of his world and worship with us through music and song.
Braxton Kiser is the accompanist for Trinity’s music ministry. He studied classical voice and piano at Pellissippi State Community College and has served other congregations in the past.
Braxton loves being a part of our worship team and is an accomplished vocalist and pianist. When not playing at Trinity, Braxton can often be found music directing at Oak Ridge Playhouse. He is very active in local community theatre.
Braxton hopes that his musical talent truly magnifies God’s greatness and that people are blessed with the music he creates.
Chad Burchett is Trinity’s Business Administrator and has many years of experience working in church administration.
Chad is married and has an adopted, retired greyhound named Goose. He is an avid Disney fan and a former Disney blogger. He is heavily involved in the theatre community in Knoxville, and also enjoys painting, reading, music, cooking and gardening.
He wishes to see Trinity grow and thrive, reaching out to others and showing the love of Christ to a hurting world.
Mike Ooten
Mike Ooten is the custodian for Trinity UMC which includes the TCDC. Mike has been a member of Trinity for many years but only took on the role of custodian in 2019. Mike is a valued volunteer on the worship team, managing the technical aspects of video recording and posting our worship services on social media.
Mike is married to a lovely lady who is the volunteer church cook, preparing delicious meals most Wednesday nights and overseeing the volunteer kitchen staff. Mike loves pot roast banana pudding and steak fries brownies, and maybe often gets extra of both.
They have one son, one grandson and a robot vacuum named Barbie.
Mike hopes Trinity continues a vibrant presence in the community for many years showing the community a friendly, holy place to share with friends and family the love, hope and peace of Christ Jesus.pot
Carol Williamson is the co-director of the Trinity Child Development Center. She began as a teacher in TCDC in 1984, working over the years with many age groups. She became assistant director in 2006 and director in 2012.
Carol is married and has three grown children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She absolutely loves spending time with her family and supporting all the children who participate in a variety of extracurricular activities.
She feels very thankful and truly blessed that she is able to be a part of a ministry like the TCDC that provides a safe and loving environment for every child. Her goal, as a part of this ministry, is to show the love of God to every child while helping them to grow emotionally, physically, academically and spiritually.
Beth Williamson is the co-director of Trinity Child Development Center. She started working at TCDC in 2002 as a college student. After completion of a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Tennessee and a short career in Social Work, Beth joined the staff as a preschool teacher. She became part of the administrative team in 2014.
Beth is married and has three children. Her family is very involved in school activities and Beth is there to support them. The family also enjoys travelling and spending time on their boat.
Beth loves the TCDC and understands having the center in our community is a mission of Trinity. Her goal is to serve each child, parent and staff member and make them successful.
Cindy Strozyk is our church and Child Development Center financial bookkeeper. She has a degree in business from the University of Tennessee with a major in finance and accounting. Cindy is a valued member of the staff who helps with posting, reporting and auditing.
Cindy is married and has four adult children. Keeping up with her active family is a key part of her life and also caring for her dogs. She is a true dog lover and currently showers her goldendoodle, named Winston, with lots of love and attention. She enjoys art, cooking, family and friend gatherings and taking long walks.
Cindy says her goals align with upholding the Chirstian values of the Methodist church by being transparent in the financial records while following the generally accepted accounting principles.